Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin returned to practice on Monday. The Bucs had only an informal walkthrough coming off a Thursday night game, but Martin was spotted without any limitations.
Doug Martin practices on Monday, getting close to fantasy return
Martin got in a practice on Monday and didn’t appear to be limited. We break down the fantasy implications.
Cliff McBride
Martin hasn't played since suffering a knee injury in the season opener. The Bucs expect him to be ready for next week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Martin struggled in Week 1 before the injury, getting just 9 rushing yards on nine carries. He has been plagued by injuries the past two years -- a torn labrum ended his 2013 season in Week 7.
Fantasy impact: Bobby Rainey has been filling in for Martin, but his grip on the starting job could be slipping after losing two fumbles in last week's blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With the offense struggling to find an identity, the 0-3 Bucs desperately need Martin to return to 2012 form if they want to salvage their season.
With Mike Glennon expected to get the start under center, Martin has a decent chance to get back on track against Pittsburgh's struggling defense. He's a risky fantasy play but has RB2 upside if Glennon moves the offense better than Josh McCown did.
